Sitgreaves Pass

Sitgreaves Pass is a scenic and historically significant mountain pass located in the Black Mountains of northwestern Arizona, along the original alignment of Route 66 between Kingman and Oatman. It’s one of the most dramatic and memorable stretches of the historic highway. The Pass is a narrow, winding section of Historic Route 66 that offers breathtaking views, hairpin turns, and sheer drop-offs with little to no guardrails. This portion of the Route through the pass is known as the “Arizona Sidewinder,” 191 turns over 8 miles, and no guardrails.

On top of the pass, there is a large memorial garden of sorts, memorials to deceased people whose cremains are scattered at the site. Sitgreaves Pass remains a popular stopping point because one can see the states of Arizona, California, and Nevada from there. People have scattered ashes and erected memorials at the Black Mountains site for years, there have also been raucous going-away parties. The pass doesn’t just mark the end of lives either; there have been many weddings at the pass as well over the years.

The Ass at the Pass

You might also run across the occasional wild burro, they roam the area and the nearby town of Oatman. They are the descendants of mining era pack animals. They were quite friendly, probably from being constantly fed by tourists passing through on Route 66.

Thanks for stopping